abdominal neurenteric cyst

Monday 6 June 2011

Definition: Neurenteric cysts are extremely rare congenital anomalies, often presenting in the first 5 years of life, and are caused by an incomplete separation of the notochord from the foregut during the third week of embryogenesis.

They are frequently accompanied with spinal or gastrointestinal abnormalities, but the latter may be absent in adults.

Although usually located in the thorax, neurenteric cysts may be found along the entire spine.